Leading digital solutions platform Globe and the provincial government of Albay have forged a partnership in support of the Hapag Movement, marking the first time a local government unit has joined the initiative against involuntary hunger.

To solidify the partnership, Albay Gov. Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman hosted a benefit dinner on August 11 at the Governor's Guest House in Legazpi City, gathering key Albayanos.

ALBAY Gov. Edcel Greco 'Grex' Lagman speaks at the benefit dinner for the Hapag Movement on August 11 at the Governor's Guest House in Legazpi, gathering key Albayanos.

All proceeds from the dinner will be channeled directly to The Hapag Movement, with the goal to supplement the efforts of the provincial government of Albay to provide meals to the families that have been affected by the ongoing state of calamity that the locality is still experiencing.

This is a tangible commitment to alleviating hunger, reflecting the shared values and dedication of both Globe and the provincial government of Albay.

The initiative's key partner organizations on ground are the Albay chapter for the Tzu Chi Foundation, an international humanitarian organization that is one of the implementing partners of the Hapag Movement; Albay Queen 102, Leo Club, and their mother organization Legazpi City "Host" Lions Club, PMJF, a socio-civic organization that focuses on eight global causes, including hunger.

JANIS Racpan, Globe Director for Business Development Segment Marketing, speaks at the benefit dinner organized by the provincial government of Albay for the Globe-led Hapag Movement.

Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group, thanked the provincial government of Albay for stepping up to the challenge of addressing involuntary hunger.

"Tonight marks a huge milestone for the Hapag Movement because Albay is the first LGU to sign up and join us. We believe that LGUs are among the key pillars for nation-building," Crisanto said.

"Our ambition is huge. And we cannot do it alone. That's why a major thrust of Hapag Movement is to find partners for fund-raising and implementation. We are truly proud to have Albay as our first LGU and the Lions Club of Albay as our first implementation partner outside Metro Manila. Your support will go a long way in achieving our shared goal of uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos," she added.

"Albay is committed to the welfare of its people, and this collaboration with the Hapag Movement, Globe, and other partners will help us reach Albayanos who continue to reel from involuntary hunger. Tonight is just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership," said Lagman.

Representatives from the Tzu Chi Foundation and Legazpi City "Host" Lions Club, PMJF, also expressed their support.

"This support is timely as we continue to work to touch the lives of families who cannot afford to have proper meals in a day. Through compassion, love, and hope, we can alleviate the suffering of those in need and create a better world for all," said Jocelyn Chua, Tzu Chi Foundation Albay volunteer.

Paulin Imperial-Dy, President of Legazpi City "Host" Lions Club, PMJF, meanwhile, said: "Every act of service brings hope where it is needed most. We are proud to join hands with Globe, the provincial government of Albay, and other partners in this important mission."

The Hapag Movement is a Globe-led initiative that aims to help 100,000 families experiencing involuntary hunger in four years through supplemental feeding and livelihood support.

Since its launch in 2022, it has been growing its ecosystem of partners, including NGOs and private sector partners, working together to deliver life-saving and life-enabling support to vulnerable families.